Suí handmade meditation/yoga/posture stools are made by Mick Hogan in a workshop, in Westport, Co. Mayo. Mick started making the stools when he began practising yoga himself. Using the stools for yoga practice is conducive to resting body and mind, while effortlessly maintaining good posture. Though the stools were originally designed for meditation/yoga, the stools are now being used as a comfortable alternative in a range of occupation and home activities, including knitting, reflexology, gardening and as an invaluable aid to those engaged in ‘floor-work’ physio with children.


The stools are made from a variety of sustainable Irish hard-woods (including Ash, Beech, Spalted Beech and Cherry) depending on availability. The quality is superb, the design is attractive yet practical (with folding legs for easy storage), the stools are beautifully finished with oils and bees wax.


Posture

It is quite important in meditation to keep the back straight but not stiff. We all have a slight natural curve in the lower back and this should remain… so the back is straight but relaxed. In order to keep the back in this natural straight yet relaxed posture you need to support your own back, which means ideally you do not lean against the back of the chair.

You sit up straight, rolling the shoulders back gently and allowing them to drop, so they are straight yet relaxed, the head should be balanced so the chin is inclined slightly towards the chest.

In this position the ‘inner energy’ or prana flows easily through the body. The posture can be achieved by sitting cross-legged i.e. if you are supple enough to sit with your knees in contact with the floor.

An Stol Beag (the small stool) can be used for sitting cross-legged, just tucked in under the bum to add a little height. As the small stool can be folded, it is the perfect travelling companion taking up very little space.

 

An easy way to achieve this posture (without sitting cross-legged) is to use An Stol (the stool). This is bigger version of An Stol Beag, and also has folding legs. Sitting on An Stol, your feet will be underneath you as if kneeling but the Sui stool bears most of the weight, making it gentle on the knees. The stool facilitates individual pelvic tilt allowing the back to support itself naturally. The sitting position allows the chest to open and encourages abdominal breathing. This posture is surprisingly comfortable, it feels very grounded and is perfect for meditation. It allows body and mind to remain alert yet relaxed.



How to use An Stol (The Sui Stool)

 

Wear comfortable clothing & remove the shoes.

 

Open the legs of the stool securely to their full extent.

 

Kneel on the floor (using a mat if you feel it’s necessary i.e. if the floor feels too hard or has a polished finish which may feel unstable)

 

Place the Sui Stool (with legs securely and fully extended) over your ankles.

 

         Lower the buttocks onto the seat of the stool.

 

The knees should ideally be apart (whatever is comfortable) so the sitting position is similar to sitting cross-legged.

 

Adjust the Sui Stool or your position until you feel

         comfortable & stable (a mat may be required depending on         

         the  floor covering)  

 

        Ideally you should be aware of a gentle curve in your lower      

        back.

 

         Roll the shoulders back gently and allow them to drop, so

         they’re straight yet relaxed.

 

         Tuck the chin slightly towards the chest so the head is   

          balanced & the spine is aligned.



An stol: The tilt of this stool adjusts slightly depending on the individual user. Suitable for sitting in cross-legged
or kneeling positions.

 

An stol beag - Specifically designed for those accustomed to sitting cross-legged. It’s tiny size & folding legs make it the perfect travelling companion.

‘Suí’ stools can be customised to suit individual special requirements.


“Suí stools are among the best I’ve ever seen. they are carefully made and are very beautiful indeed. I have no hesitation in highly recommending them.”
Sean Boland, Manager, Dublin Buddhist Centre.

“We’re really pleased with the quality and beauty of Suí meditation stools, the positive
feedback from customers who have purchased these stools has been wonderful.”
Dzogchen Beara Meditation and Retreat Centre.

"Just to let you know that I have had great use out of your meditation stool. The other day - in a particularly fraught moment, I saw the stool out of the corner of my eye, and went and sat on it - I could feel my body instantly calming and relaxing - I had gone to another space - it is like having a holiday in the room! It’s as if Derval, you have given me the psychological space and Mick you have given me the physical space. I have reaped the benefits of your joint effort!"
Thanks, Melissa, Homeopath, Strokestown


Just a note to say thanks for the stool. I had never heard of them prior to watching the nationwide show and was a poor and frustrated meditator at best. The improvement in my posture from the stool really allows me to stay far more alert and I am able to meditate far more easily. I am impressed!
Many thanks,
Martin Grace, Killaloe, Co. Clare



Suí Meditation Stools are handmade by Mick Hogan In Westport .
Mick works with a variety of sustainable Irish hardwood.


The Meditation Stools cost €50 + €8 euro P&P for ‘An stol’
And ‘An stol beag’ €32 + €5 P&P


Contact Mick on + 353 (0) 87 410 7277

Stockists

Dublin Buddhist Centre
Liberty corner
5 James Joyce St
Dublin 1
01 8178933

Dzogchen Beara Retreat Centre
Garranes
Allihes
West Cork
027 73032

An Seomra Yoga
2/3 Small Crane Square
Sea Road
Galway
087 7598101

Healthy Beings
Strokestown
Co. Roscommon
071 9634411

Mother Earth
Harbour St
Tullamore
Co. Offaly
057 9323499

Picture Of Health
Main St
Ballinrobe
Co  Mayo
094 954 1612


Nice & Natural
Horkan's Garden Centre
Turlough
Castlebar
Co Mayo
094 9031975

Only Natural
79 North Main St
Wexford
053 9123236



“The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his
life simply by altering his attitude of mind.”
William James


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